Terminal Illness flight refund

ab4248

My friend and her husband have asked me to look into this. She was diagnosed with motor neuron disease this weeks. They were due to fly to the States next week with aer Lingus. Their flight is booked since earlier in the year. They hadn't yet taken out travel insurance (please don't focus on this, it was an error that can't be rectified now). They paid by debit card not credit card. Do air lines ever make exceptions in cases like this and refund non refundable flights with proof of course? Any advice on how to deal with the air line would be greatly appreciated.

Caranica

MND is ultimately a terminal illness (well technically it's an umbrella term for a load of variants) but whether it's weeks, months, years or decades varies from case to case. If she's able to go I'd advise they go and make special memories while they can.

ab4248

I just think it's too fresh at the moment. Diagnosed Tuesday this week and to fly next Thursday. She's having tests Friday to see how far along it is, variant etc and meeting consultant Wed so I think flying Thursday would just be too much. They have young children too so I'd say they want to be with them at this time. It's to a wedding aswell so it would be hard to stay cheery. If it was next month it might be different. I totally agree that making memories is so important but just think it's all on top of each other.

Caranica

Unfortunately I don't see the airline helping here. Not sure even travel insurance would cover it tbh. It's a horrible time and sadly I know it too well. Wish I'd been able to make more memories with the person in my life.

RachEv

Hi

Aer Lingus allow flight changes FOC (you Pay fare difference only if there is one but you can play around to see what flights come in at same price)

May I suggest moving the flight out rather than just losing the money. This gives more time to decide if traveling is a good idea and also could give option to change names at later date maybe.

You need to do this today though.

I have moved a flight three times already without paying any more money.

Sorry to hear about the diagnosis.

ab4248

Thanks for your replies. Today was the last day to do anything so ut was a good job we moved when we did. They are getting a voucher so hopefully when the know what they are up against they can go on a trip. Thanks again for your replies x